Couches hurt my back :)

Ha ha... great stuff. My ancestors are from the Limerick area -- say Hi to any Henneberry's if you see them --- I believe they go by Henbry over there.

Ack! I totally forgot to mention---
Since you titled the piece, "Couch Surfing - Journey To Success", I wanted to say that Couch Surfing is a massive journey to success for me. I have stayed with some of my business role models, and learned so much from them.

I stayed with Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, for a week. I've stayed with many of the marketers whom I study (Perry Belcher, Matt Bacak, Jason Moffatt, etc...), I've stayed with many photographers whom I look up to, such as Jeffery Scott (http://www.onemodelplace.com/member.cfm?P_ID=25854 -- warning: many disturbing images.... but you can't argue the talent is mind-blowing).

The success factor is also there because now I am not just handing people my card, and getting there's. Now I meet someone, get to stay in their home, meet their family, see their business, and often go on an adventure with them. The bonding and depth of familiarity that comes with that is a lot bigger than just meeting people somewhere, or talking to them online.

It has been extremely life changing, and I am addicted.

well, dang... I'd have to say that in this case, I'm biased. I love crashing on couches. I'm in my 4th year now, and have been given couches, beds, floor mats, back patios, hammocks, futons, chairs, and of course, sleeping bags. The bed I left behind was a queen size sealy posturpedic with additional memory foam on top. What a dream.... but it hardly ever crosses my mind.

I never miss my bed, because the gift that comes with each couch is a new friend. A new person in my life that can tell me their stories, share new experiences with me, show me around their area, and show me new adventures.

They give me something to share with my blog readers. There are often new photos and videos. Each person has their own circle of friends, which can lead to all sorts of new stories (like last week-- come down to see a friend's gallery exhibit - get to go to poker night, a kegger at a car restoration warehouse, climb a billboard, visit a rotating restaurant, and end up with a speaking gig for next month's social-media event).

All these things make me not even notice the discomfort (if there is any)... and oftentimes, by the time it's actually time to sleep, I'm so tired I don't care what I sleep on.

I'm glad you couchsurf. I'm glad you're promoting to people that it's a great way to travel. I disagree about it being just something to do if one can't afford a hotel.

I think hotels are the thing you do when you can't find a couch. Hotels look the same everywhere you go... and then you just get to go to the tourist traps, etc... While couchsurfing, you get to choose who you stay with. You can base that on mutual interests, and thus practically guarantee that you'll hang with people that interest you. They'll show you places that you'd like... and likely the ones that are not in the tourist guide.

I will give you that hotels give you a lot more privacy :)

If you want to read my various couchsurfing adventures, or want to discuss couchsurfing, travel, adventures, etc.... it's all at http://CouchSurfingOri.com

Ori,

Love you you do my friend, and I have to admit couch surfing (although is tough on my back at times) has helped me develop a ton of new friends, and always gives me an interesting experience and story to talk about later.

Life is about the experiences we encounter along our personal journey, and couch surfing is definitely something that has been a big part of my journey.

I have a comfy futon waiting for you if you ever come through Columbus, Ohio :)

Outstanding! I still haven't really surfed through Ohio yet. I'm certain it'd be a blast. What's the best time of year to visit Columbus?

You need to come in the Summer during Comm Fest (or any of the other festivals). http://www.comfest.com/ or you should come any first Saturday of the month in the Summer or Fall for gallery hop... one of the most fun nights every month where all the local artists display their stuff in the shops downtown til late in the night. Good street music, culture, people, and fun :) You are always welcome my man

I actually love Couch Surfing. I get what your message is....couch surfing on the road to success. I thought I'd plug Couch Surfing. I hosted a couch surfer walking across the US last summer. It was so fun! I am a member, but haven't tried couch surfing in my travels. But hey, I am willing to sleep on a few couches to get to where I want to go!

There's a lot more to couchsurfing than just sleeping on a couch. I highly recommend it (see my above comments)